East Coast Youth Dressage Champion Award and East Coast Youth Dressage Champion Trainer Award
Dressage4Kids, the Region 1 Youth Dressage Team Challenge, and the Atlanta Youth Festival have teamed up with sponsor Dover Saddlery and are proud to announce two inaugural awards: the East Coast Youth Dressage Champion Award and the East Coast Youth Dressage Champion Trainer Award. These awards are in recognition of young equestrians and their trainers who exhibit dedication in the world of dressage.
The Region 1 Youth Dressage Team Challenge, Lendon’s Youth Dressage Festival, and the Atlanta Youth Festival stand out as exceptional events that go beyond traditional equestrian competitions. These competitions provide a unique platform for youth riders not only to showcase their individual skills, but also to participate on teams, thereby adding to a positive and supportive atmosphere where competitors root for each other’s success and experience a sense of shared achievement.
Dover Saddlery is extremely proud to sponsor these prestigious awards which really highlight the dedication these riders have committed to and displayed throughout their equestrian journey. Beyond the competitive aspect, these events play a crucial role in building connections and nurturing lasting friendships within the equestrian community. Workshops, educational sessions, and social gatherings add to the competitive aspect to provide a platform for youth riders to learn from each other, share experiences, and build community.
To be eligible for the East Coast Youth Dressage Champion Award, riders must meet the following criteria:
- Obtain scores in the calendar year 2024
- Participate in the Region 1 Youth Dressage Team Challenge
- Participate in either Lendon's Youth Dressage Festival or the Atlanta Youth Festival If a rider participates in all three of the above competitions, the lowest score will be considered a drop score
- A rider may enter up to twice (with two different horses)
- If a rider competes in two different divisions, only scores from the higher division will be considered
- For scores to be considered, a rider must compete in the same level at all the shows (see above regarding competing in multiple divisions)
- The final average will be calculated by taking thedressage score from Lendon’s Youth Dressage Festival or the Atlanta Youth Festival and the average of the 2 dressage tests from the team competition at the Region 1 Youth Dressage Team Challenge and averaging those scores together. If a rider competes in all 3 competitions, see above regarding the drop score (the lowest score of the 3 will be considered a drop score)
- The following levels are not eligible for this award: Leadline, Intro A, Intro B, Western Dressage
In the event of a tie, the following tiebreakers will be used:
- First tiebreaker: written test score at either Lendon's Youth Dressage Festival or the Atlanta Youth Festival
- Second tiebreaker: Dressage Seat Equitation (DSE) score at either Lendon's Youth Dressage Festival or the Atlanta Youth Festival
East Coast Youth Dressage Champion Trainer Award:
The trainer of the East Coast Youth Dressage Champion will also be recognized. This accolade acknowledges the contribution of trainers to the development of the sport, with the head coach eligible in cases where there are two trainers. In situations where different trainers are brought to different shows, the award will be split equally between the two.
The East Coast Youth Dressage Champion Award and associated Trainer Award aim to inspire and motivate young equestrians, and to foster a sense of accomplishment and camaraderie within the youth dressage community.
Thanks to Dover Saddlery, the winner of the East Coast Youth Dressage Champion Award and the winner of the East Coast Youth Dressage Champion Trainer Award will each receive a $500 gift certificate to Dover Saddlery.
